Employees at the Illinois State Capitol Complex are advised to continue their normal work routine, after initial tests showed a possibility of Legionella bacteria in the water system.
A memo went out Monday night to employees letting them know Legionnaires' disease can’t be spread person-to-person or by drinking contaminated water.
Henry Haupt is a spokesman for the Secretary of State’s office, which oversees the Capitol Complex. He says it’s important to have open communication with everyone who works there.
“What we have tried to do with the Secretary of State in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health is-- we wanted to be proactive, aggressive, out in front and communicate.”
Additional test results will come out in 14 days. These will confirm if the bacteria found can make someone sick. Until then, it is recommended employees and visitors wash their hands with a small stream of water as well as turn off any nebulizers or humidifiers. The Illinois Department of Public Health has advised the Secretary of State develop a water management plan and create a water management team to reduce risk.
Legionella bacteria has created problems for the state-run veterans home in Quincy, where 13 people have died in the last few years.
